The U.S. Transportation Security Administration delayed its decision to allow small knives on airplanes, previously scheduled to go into effect on Thursday, until it consults with airline industry leaders and stakeholders.

An airline passenger has questions for a TSA agent before getting patted down going through security on national “Opt-Out Day,” at Denver International Airport. Andy Cross/The Denver Post

Bloomberg broke the news late yesterday when TSA Administrator John Pistole sent an internal e-mail to the agency saying he would “temporarily delay” the lifting of the knives ban.

The decision came the same day that Travel Leaders Group, a top retail and corporate travel agency, released new survey results showing the vast majority of Americans were uncomfortable with the changes.

The group surveyed 1,800 U.S. consumers between March 15 and Apr. 8 and found that 73 percent of Americans do not approve the TSA’s decision to lift the ban.

“This is a real hot-button issue. The TSA’s rationale is that they are aligning their policy to match international rules. International air carriers have different rules for the allowable size and weight of carry-on bags – we don’t follow those guidelines,” said Barry Liben, CEO of Travel Leaders Group. “The rationale doesn’t make sense when so many consumers and flight crew members are opposed to the idea.”

Pistole said in the e-mail that the postponement came following a meeting with an advisory committee that consisted of flight attendants, airline representatives and pilots.

Jeff Price is a professor of aviation and aerospace science at Metro State University of Denver and the former assistant security manager at Denver International Airport. Price specializes in airport security, traveling around the country to train TSA officers.

“They should’ve talked to industry before making the decision,” Price said. “The biggest problem TSA has is perception.”

Flight Attendant unions have been vocal opponents of the rule change.

“The TSA’s decision to postpone the rule change to allow knives on planes is good news for everyone who flies. Especially now, after the tragic events in Boston, we must remain vigilant against violent threats,” said Ian Funderburg, the flight attendant who started the Change.org petition opposing the change, in a statement. “I am thankful the TSA heard our message loud and clear. I hope the TSA does the right thing and pulls this proposal for good.”

But Pistole is only delaying the decision as the TSA consults with industry representatives. Once everyone’s opinions are weighed, it is quite possible that the TSA will come to the same conclusion and lift the ban at a later date.

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Emilie Rusch covers retail and commercial real estate for The Post. A Wisconsin native and Mizzou graduate, she moved to Colorado in 2012. Before that, she worked at a small daily newspaper in South Dakota. It's the one with Mount Rushmore.